General Points

The Short Jenny is a beautiful shot that looks much harder to play than it actually is. It is generally not played for, but the position arises due to an error such as a middle pocket loser being played too near the side cushion.

The first step to playing a successful Short Jenny is to setting the cueball accurately in the D for the natural angle. Take care to make small adjustments until you are happy that the angle you have set is correct. With practice you will gradually learn to recognize the angle more quickly, but even after you become quite confident of getting a high percentage of Short Jennies, care still must be taken to position the cueball accurately in the D. As the table conditions change, the setting angle may need to be adjusted to allow for the nap on that particular table.

For shots on the right side of the table address the cueball at 4.30 and for those on the left, use 7.30 o'clock. Although you can deviate from this to adjust the amount of side that you impart, it is not desirable to do so as it then becomes more difficult to judge the shot.

It is important to accelerate though the cueball with a good 'follow-through' in order to get the side on. The side will curve the cueball into the pocket and also has the added effect of helping the cueball into the pocket should it hit the far middle jaw (effectively widening the pocket slightly).

Pace

Normally medium pace is used, to bring the object ball on and off the side cushion to leave a middle pocket loser. It is possible to play gently and leave another Short Jenny, but this is not desirable as scoring off a middle pocket loser is not only easier but also allows you to develop the object ball more or less as you wish.

Distance

The Short Jenny generally becomes more difficult as the object ball gets closer to the side cushion and further away from the pocket. Nevertheless, on tables with a good nap it is possible to make the shot from very acute angles. In general, the heavier the cloth, the easier the shot will be as the the cueball will turn more as it travels towards the pocket.

Cue Action

One of the main problems that players new to Billiards have is getting the side on whilst playing at a medium pace. This is achieved by a nice acceleration through the cue ball whilst following right through the ball. It is a mistake to try to punch the ball using a 'snooker' action as it is very easy to stun the cue ball, thus widening the angle off the object ball. Try to push the cue through the shot.

Standard shot

The following is a standard Short Jenny that you should start with. Set the object ball about half way from the baulk line to the middle pocket and about 6 inches (152 mm) from the side cushion. The position may need a small adjustment depending on the conditions, but is very close to what is required. If you are having a lot of difficulty with the shot, try moving the object ball a little bit closer to the pocket and the cue ball nearer the edge of the D.Play the Jenny until you can make this shot 3/10. If you are having a lot of difficulty with the shot, try moving the object ball a little bit closer to the pocket and the cue ball nearer the edge of the D.

Variations

Now move the object ball to a new position that is reasonably close to the first position, mark the position with a small chalk mark and now try to set the cue ball yourself; you will find this much more difficult. Repeat this shot until you find the correct cue ball position. Repeat the whole procedure enough times, into both middle pockets, until you are confident that you can make the shot 3/10 from any new position.

Object ball close to the pocket

Now move the object ball reasonably close to the pocket; the cue ball will need to b moved nearer to the edge of the D. The shot is slightly easier and can be played crisply, striking low on the cue ball.

Object ball further from the pocket

Place the object ball further from the pocket, towards the baulk line. This shot is more difficult to judge and varies from table to table, depending on the nap. If the object ball is close to the cushion, you may play this quite slowly, to allow the cue ball to curve into the pocket. Otherwise, a standard pace may be used.

Practice Targets

Remember

• Set the cue ball accurately
• Address the cue ball at 4.30 (or 7.30)
• Follow through and get the side on
• Accelerate nicely though the cue ball

Common Mistakes

• Addressing the cue ball above centre
• Not getting the side on
• Punching the cue ball instead of pushing through the shot